Buenos Aires – Argentina's low-cost airline Flybondi has expressed a strong commitment to resuming its routes to Paraguay, actively considering restoring the Buenos Aires-Asunción route and establishing a direct route to Encarnación. Authorities from Paraguay's National Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DINAC) stated that Flybondi's management officially conveyed this intention.

Flybondi operated in Paraguay from January 2019 to March 2020 but was forced to suspend operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nelson Mendoza, Director of DINAC, stated, "Flybondi already has a good understanding of the Paraguayan market," and expressed optimism, "Based on their past operational experience, they will be able to provide even more stable service."

Currently, Flybondi operates 14 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, each capable of accommodating 189 passengers. They employ approximately 1,500 staff and have their own operational system within Argentina, enabling efficient air service provision. Director Mendoza added, "Flybondi has transported over 15.5 million passengers to date, 20% of whom experienced their first flight thanks to the low-cost model."

Flybondi currently operates a total of 27 routes and 22 destinations, including 20 domestic routes in Argentina and 7 in Brazil. Asunción would be their eighth international destination, and with the addition of Encarnación, it would become their ninth international destination.

José Chávez, Director of Civil Aeronautics, reported that the meeting with Flybondi's management was very positive. He emphasized, "While no date has been confirmed yet, this discussion is an important first step," and "Air connectivity with Argentina is in very high demand, so additional options will greatly benefit consumers."

Flybondi's interest in the Encarnación route, in particular, is based on the results of its own market research. The survey confirmed high demand from Paraguayans flying to Buenos Aires via Posadas. Director Chávez explained, "Flybondi sees an opportunity to provide a direct and convenient alternative from Encarnación, offering competitive fares through its low-cost model."

Although no official application has been submitted or a start date confirmed, DINAC anticipates that operations could commence before the end of the year if Flybondi completes the necessary technical and regulatory procedures. Director Chávez expressed hope, "It is very gratifying that the airline intends to operate from Encarnación Airport," and "If this exploratory route operates successfully, it could attract interest from other airlines." Flybondi's re-entry into the Paraguayan market is expected to boost exchanges between the two countries and positively impact tourism and economic development, particularly in southern Paraguay.

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